Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

Filters

Idioms

Phrases

Proverbs

Loan words

Historical loan words

rau

1. (noun) leaf, frond, plume, spray, feather.

Ko te mate anake o te tohetaka ka horoia te mamae he uaua ka mākerekere mai ngā rau tohetaka nō te mea he tino piri kē ki te mamae (HP 1991:24). / The only problem with the dandelion, which reduces the pain, is that it's difficult to remove the dandelion leaves because they really stick to the wound.

Show example

Hide example

Synonyms: tawhera, whā, awe, puhi


2. (noun) blade of a weapon.

Ko te rangatira kaitaotao i te taha mauī o te matua e whakakapakapa ana i te rau o tana mere (TWMNT 27/6/1876:149). / A chief on the left of the column was flourishing the blade of his greenstone mere.

Show example

Hide example


3. (noun) beat, rhythm (of a poi).

I te rekanga pea o te poi ki ngā kanohi o te Tiuka, ka haere tonu tana waewae i runga i te rau o te poi (TP 1/8/1901:6). / Perhaps because of how melodious the the poi dance was in the eyes of the Duke, his foot went on the beat of the poi.

Show example

Hide example

Te Kākano 3rd Edition

New edition of the leading Māori-language textbook out now.

More info

The App

Te Aka Māori Dictionary is also available as an iOS and Android app. Download below.

iOS Android

The Book

Te Aka Māori-English, English-Māori Dictionary and Index by John C Moorfield comprises a selection of modern and everyday language that will be extremely useful for learners of the Māori language.

More info

He Pātaka Kupu

Te kai a te rangatira

He Pātaka Kupu is a monolingual Māori language dictionary, and was designed using its own culturally authentic terms.

Visit website

00:00